w/ Stephanie Stevens

THE PROTEST hail from the heartland of Indiana; not a spot you would think a huge sounding rock and metal act would come from but damn these guys are making some waves from the sounds of this new album they are on the verge of releasing. LEGACY due out July 13th on Rockfest Records/Sony have songwriting abilities through the roof, with melody driven elements and heavy hard rock soundscapes. The album shows a vast diversity. I felt like every song was a new adventure but they intertwine the “sound” of THE PROTEST in each track but keep surprising you with sprinkles of new clever musical elements in each song.

WHAT ELSE YOU GOT is the bands first look into the upcoming album and what I like about it is the positive monologue they are promoting along with the big anthem rock attitude. The single though doesn’t really show off the diversity in the album. Tracks like VALOR and KNOCKOUT and LEGACY shows you the meat and potatoes (aka; heavier side) of what the band can do when let loose to create. Especially LEGACY; sorry but I fucking love this track so different yet so needed on the record!! Then I was whole heartedly sold on the radio rock “pretty” styles of TAKE MY HEART. With those two songs hitting my ears I was sold that I needed to get to know this band on a better level. STRAIGHT FROM THE BARREL another notable rock anthem has more of a sassy quality, good groove and just a fun song.

To sum up LEGACY and how I see the band is they are out there making great radio hits but also are able to spice it up with a heavier rock sound to really get a live crowd going. I think growing up with Cornfields and a great football team (hint hint GO COLTS!!) has molded Josh Bramlett - Lead Vocals, Adam Sadler - Lead Guitar, TJ Colwell – Rhythm Guitar and Jarob Bramlett – Drums into solid musicians, creative souls and a bunch of hard working dedicated men; who bring positive words and quality songs to the forefront of the rock n roll era of today!

I had a chance to speak with vocalist Josh Bramlett about being in the industry for some time now, co-writers, rising up the charts quick and touring life.

BEFORE WE GET INTO THE BAND AND MUSIC, YOU GUYS ARE FROM INDIANA - SO ARE YOU FOOTBALL FANS AND ARE YOU ALL COLTS FANS??? (HUGE FAN OF THE COLTS HERE IN MASSACHUSETTS!)

We are big Colts fans and Indiana Pacers fans! That is amazing and shocking that you are, considering that you live in evil Patriots country! The Colts have had a couple rough years, but we will pull out of it.

YOU RELEASED YOUR FIRST ALBUM IN 2012, SO YOU’VE BEEN IN THE INDUSTRY FOR A LITTLE BIT OF TIME NOW. HOW HAS THE PROTEST GROWN WITH THE CHANGES IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY AND WHAT IS THE BIGGEST PRO AND BIGGEST CON BEING A BAND IN 2018?

We have been at it for some time now and you hit nail on the head when you mentioned how much the industry has changed and is changing. We have gone from being a local band; to a regional band; to a national band, and then to an international band in this time. We are humbled by the moderate success we have had in past 6 or 7 years but realize we are still a small player in a big industry so we are always working hard. As the industry has changed we have had to as well. Social media has become so prominent in the last few years, and we have had to learn how to reach people on the various social media platforms. When we were first started out Twitter and Instagram didn’t exist and Facebook was very new. Social media makes it easier to connect with fans, but we don’t want to settle for just Facebook fans and friends. Our band has made a point since our inception to sow good seeds and be a light to everyone we meet. We want to get to know our fans in person. We want to hear their stories and build relationships with them. I think no matter what happens in the industry people still crave that personal, one on one connection. It isn’t easy to make a living playing music these days because of a flooded marketplace, but that being said its easier for fans to find out where you are playing and what you're up to.

YOU’RE RELEASING YOUR NEXT DISC LEGACY IN JULY. IN YOUR OPIONION HOW DO YOU FEEL THE BAND HAS CHANGED SINCE THE LAST RECORD, AND HOW DO YOU BELIEVE THIS ALBUM WILL IMPACT NEW FANS AND OLD?

Our band has grown many ways since our last record in late 2014. We have become better musicians, songwriters, and have had a lot more life experience to draw from. This record is extremely diverse. It has some of our most anthemic and radio ready tunes, but on the other side we have some of our heaviest works to date. We hope that this record reaches so many new people, but we also think our current fans will love it. We really pushed ourselves to write the best songs that we could and I think that reflects in Legacy. The album is still classic Protest in many ways but also a small rebirth musically if you will.

YOUR NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO FOR “WHAT ELSE YOU GOT” IS A VERY POSITIVE INSPIRING SONG. AS A BAND, IS THAT HOW YOU’VE ALWAYS WRITTEN: TO SHOW FANS AND THE WORLD THERE IS ALWAYS GOOD EVEN WHEN THE WORLD IS SO MESSED UP?

From the beginning our band set out to be different. Just because we play hard rock n' roll music doesn’t mean it can’t uplift you. There is so much doom, gloom, and anger that comes with rock and metal music. We want to carve out a little space for light in that darkness. We want people to leave our shows or hear our music and be uplifted, encouraged, and even changed. That is our mission and frankly more important to us than any personal gain being in band can offer. We LOVE people!

WHY DID YOU BRING IN CO-WRITERS FOR THIS SONG? WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE PEOPLE YOU DID TO WRITE WITH, AND IS THIS A COMMON THING YOU AS A BAND DO?

With this record we really swung for the fences. Sometimes the best way to do this is take advantage of the opportunity to work with friends who want to help you create something special. We were admittedly pretty new to the whole process, but we enjoyed it so much. It gave us a chance to collaborate and bounce ideas off of someone that has a lot of experience in writing great songs. We choose co-writers that understand our vision and have the same goal as we do a lot of times. "What Else You Got" was the culmination of creative sessions with Jeremiah Jones, Josiah Prince (Disciple), and ourselves. We did a few other co-writes for Legacy as well and look forward to doing more in the future.

THIS SONG ALSO HAS BEEN RISING PRETTY QUICKLY ON THE ROCK CHARTS. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS DIFFERENT WITH THIS SONG VS OLDER STUFF YOU HAVE DONE?

I think the hook is so undeniable on this song. It’s the most anthemic song we’ve ever put out! It’s catchy, relatable, and still has the ability to rock hard. Our producer really taught us how to expand our horizons and we so grateful that we did. We love the song and are blessed by its performance so far.

THE REST OF THE ALBUM I LOVE BECAUSE IT’S VERY VERSATILE. THERE IS HEAVIER STUFF AND MORE MELODIC STUFF SO ITS ALWAYS A LITTLE DIFFERENT WITH EACH TRACK. ONE SONG THAT STOOD OUT THAT I KEEP PLAYING IS THE OPENING TRACK “VALOR”; THERE IS A MIXTURE OF STYLES. HOW DID THAT SONG COME ABOUT AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE IT AS AN OPENER FOR THE NEW ALBUM?

We wrote "Valor" very early on in the writing process. We are very proud of our past releases but we wanted to write a song that was super uplifting and that even sounded uplifting. Our guitar T.J. wrote all the music and sent it over to me one night and I loved how intense the song, but what I loved most was the parts that let up and kind of changed the songs attitude. I would listen to his music for the song constantly when I was driving or working out and just tried to come up with good melody ideas. One day, out of seemingly nowhere, I was hit with the idea for the chorus. After I had the chorus, melody and lyrics the rest just came naturally. We love the vocal layers on the song and it keeps with our theme of standing strong in the face of adversity.

I READ YOUR MUSICAL INSPIRATIONS ARE A LOT OF BANDS FROM THE 80’S LIKE KISS AND DEF LEPPARD. WHAT WAS IT ABOUT THAT ERA OF MUSIC THAT MADE YOU GET INTO MUSIC?

Our band has extremely diverse music tastes, but it was classic rock and metal from the 70’s and 80’s that got us into music. It was all just so big sounding, especially in the 80’s. So flashy and over top! A lot of the artists of those areas created songs that everyone can sing and will stand the test of time and that’s what we want to do as well. Though we are a modern hard rock band in every sense of the word, I think our music and our energy on stage packs a lot of fun in a rock world that takes itself pretty seriously a lot of times.

HOW IS IT WORKING WITH BROTHERS IN A BAND AND IS THIS THE ORGINAL LINE UP FROM THE START?

Our drummer, Jarob, is my only blood brother in the band. That being said our guitar players T.J. and Adam might as well be - we couldn’t be closer. We are family for each other and I couldn’t imagine doing this with anyone else. Of course, we have disagreements at times but things always get resolved pretty easily because we all share the same drive and purpose. At the end of the day we are all in this together. T.J., Jarob, and Myself have been playing music together since 2003. Adam (guitar) joined in 2009. Bass players have come and gone but the 4 of us have been steadfast for a long time.

YOU HAVE BEEN DESCRIBED AS ROAD WARRIORS WHERE YOU PLAY AT LEAST 150 DATES A YEAR AND HAVE BEEN OVERSEAS, ETC. HOW IS IT BEING OUT ON THE ROAD THAT MUCH AND WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR BANDS JUST STARTING OUT? WHAT SHOIULD NEW BANDS KNOW BEFORE THEY DIVE INTO THE INDUSTRY?

We love touring and playing live - that is what we live for. It’s a chance for us to play the music we love, meet and connect with amazing people, and be a part of something bigger than ourselves. Road life isn’t always easy. We have spent many nights sleeping in Walmart parking lots. We've driven over 12 hours just to get to the next date in time for load in and sound check but we wouldn’t trade it for the world. Some of my fondest memories have been made on the road. My advice to anyone wanting to play music or be involved in the industry is sow good seeds and work hard. It’s easy to get caught in the fever chase of trying to “make it” but never forget why you started from the beginning and stay humble, driven, and passionate. You may not end up being a “rock star” or having tons of money but if you love what you do than that sounds pretty successful to me. Trust me, I have to pray and repeat positive things to myself every day. It’s not easy - but stay strong and keep your head up!

SPEAKING OF TOURING – WITH THE ALBUM ABOUT TO RELEASE DO YOU HAVE TOUR DATES LINED UP AND CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THEM?

We look to do a lot of touring in the coming year in support of the album. While we don’t have any official tours lined up just yet, we do have a lot of festival dates throughout the summer and fall. We are also heading back to Europe in the fall for a run of shows.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE A LIVE SHOW FOR PEOPLE JUST GETTING INTO THE BAND? WHY SHOULD COME THEY COME OUT AND SEE THE PROTEST?

We don’t have a lot of smoke and mirrors. We don’t have giant stage props or impressive lighting, but we what we offer is an authentic, in your face rock show. We go as hard as we can no matter where we are or how many people are present. We strive to connect with the audience and “win them over” so to speak. We leave it all out there. There is lots of hair, sweat, and energy!

WHAT ARE YOUR GO-TO STAGE CLOTHES?

There is a lot of black involved. Usually black skinny jeans, a black tank, cut off, or t-shirt, and boots or chucks that are also black. ☺ I love wearing friend’s band tees on stage to show support. There are nights we jokingly call ourselves “The PROVEST” because we show up for pre-show prayer unknowingly all wearing vests. It’s then time to decide who gets to keep the vest that night and who has lose it, HA!

HOW DO YOU STAY HEALTHY ON THE ROAD?

Planet Fitness has been a Godsend! Not only is your membership good all over the country but you can also get a shower which is huge on the road. We try to work out as much as we can on off days or at the venue before or after sound check. Eating right is the hardest part. It’s cheap and easy to eat a couple dollar cheeseburgers on the bus but we have been really trying lately to consume healthier snacks. Many of the catered meals have a lot of healthy choices so it’s just about being smart. That being said many nights after a show nothing hits the spot quite like Taco Bell!

OTHER THEN BEING MUSICIANS AND HAVING A BAND, WHAT ARE THINGS THAT YOU LOVE TO DO THAT ISNT MUSIC RELATED?

Our band is band of nerds! We are huge movie buffs, gamers, and avid readers. We love playing basketball and hanging out with friends and family as often as possible.

FAVORITE SONG OFF “LEGACY” YOU ARE CRAVING TO PLAY LIVE AND WHY?

The title track "LEGACY" is one I cannot wait to play live! I think it’s going to hit so hard. I’m worried that we all might turn green and start tearing stuff up on that one. ☺

WHAT ARE 3 FACTS ABOUT THE BAND MEMBERS THAT PEOPLE MAY BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU GUYS?

We love the song “Incomplete” by the Backstreet Boys. Many nights on tour we belt that song out as loud as we can. Our band has to have one Chinese buffet each tour. We absolutely have to. Usually it’s on an off day. If we don’t get one in, we feel a little cheated. Our pre-show ritual has been the same for almost 10 years; we huddle up, pray, and then “Let the dogs out.” Letting the dogs out consists of taking a deep breath and then kicking our feet while in the huddle while saying, “Who let the dog’s out? Who, who, who, who, who, who, who!?!??”

ANY LAST COMMENTS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?

You can keep up with us by following us on Social media – come to a show and say Hi, you'll be glad you did!

Before setting out to start bands and music what was it about being a musician/artist that intrigued you to dedicate your life to it?

I started going to hardcore shows at a young age in NJ. The Energy in the crowd is what really sucked me in. I think having an identity as a hardcore kid gave me a place where I felt like I fit in.

AMERICAN GRIM is pretty much a new up n coming band with a lot to say. What do you hope music fans will walk away with after seeing you guys live, or listening to your album Freakshow?

When it comes to the live show I just want people to feel the passion. I want people to know that we love this shit. There’s really nothing that feels better than playing heavy music.

Being a three-piece band and playing with the same people for many years how does the music and songwriting process come about and is it a pretty easy tasks since you guys know each other so well? Do you all have a say in songwriting and who is usually the first one to come up with ideas?

American Grim has no real way we write songs. We feel like three song writers in one band. We all write, we all have different styles. Mike Morello our guitarist has a studio in our home town where we track and write. The best songs are what we use. We don't rehearse as much as we work in the studio, we are in the studio every day, the main thing we don't want to do is sound like everyone else.

Your album FREAKSHOW shows a vast array of music genres in each and every song; does that come from the many influences you all have through the years growing up?

Our roots are metal so we really try hard not to be just a metal band, but everything reverts back to metal.

Although music is a huge influence for you guys who else inspires you to write lyrically and musically?

We are influenced by many things outside of music. I would say the main thing personally is fighting. Before we got signed to Entertainment One, we were making music for Mixed Martial Arts. Some of our old songs were placed on NBC sports that led to getting a record deal. I train with cage fighters all the time. I’m a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I’m all about never giving up, believing in yourself and knowing what you want.

When it comes to marketing and doing stuff for the band you guys are very hands on and I think I heard you do your own videos. How important is it to put a visual to your music in this day and age?

We try to keep deep punk rock vibes among the band rather than a Rockstar mentality. We write all the music ourselves and I direct all the videos. We invested in Black Magic camera, learned the software and control all visuals. We would rather create then explain

STAY IN TOUCH WITH AMERICAN GRIM:FACEBOOK: @AMERICANGRIMINSTAGRAM: @AMERICANGRIMwww.Americangrimmusic.com

I don’t even know where to begin to describe the way that CHARMING LIARS have re-energized my love for music. This alluring, ambience driven, captivating band that hails from London but now resides in the good ol’ music world of Los Angeles has made pure raw and honest music that really spoke to me on so many levels and moved me through all levels of emotion. A band that is doing their job by making you feel various emotions with the music they create.

I was first introduced to the band by way of the current single LIKE A DRUG. Its sexy, it’s haunting, it’s thought provoking and can we talk about the sensual sway of vocalist Kiliyan Maguire. This guy can lure you in by just saying hello! The music created a little 30 Seconds to Mars and Muse vibe for me. Tons of melody, and a chorus that will have you singing for days.

But not only is the new single a total demand in your play list, but so is the whole collection of songs these guys have put together. I was so sold on one track called NAKED, which came off the bands 2015 DELETE. REPEAT. It has the right amount of sass, allure and mystical prettiness! Then in 2016 an EP called 12:31 AM came out and brought you the beautiful quality in SOUL. Showcasing that perfect vocal sound, uplifting, positive and the catchiest melody. I could go on for days about all the other tracks that jump out at you but I am sure you want to learn about the band instead of hearing my opinion. As you can see I am hooked on this three-piece band.

With an icon like Sir Elton John as a fan, you have to believe that the band’s future looks very bright. I feel like with the right steps and a bit of luck CHARMING LIARS are going to be making huge strides going into 2019. But for right now the guys are finishing up the new full-length record, getting ready to hit the road and just doing what they do best: making perfect music for a scene I feel could use refreshing.

I had the privilege to ask guitarist Karnig Manoukian a few questions about how the band started, the new single LIKE A DRUG, how it is to have Elton John as a fan, producer/songwriter John Feldmann and tour life.Charming Liars is:Kiliyan Maguire - Vocals Karnig Manoukian - Guitar, ProductionMike Kruger - Bass

FIRST OFF - I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!Can you let us know how Charming Liars formed and what was your vision for the band when you started? Has that vision changed in anyway?

We formed back in England many years ago actually. Myself and Mike have been playing guitar and bass together for a long time ☺. Our vision back then and our vision to this day is to still make music that transcends every culture and to ultimately make music listeners feel something. We also always stated that arenas are where we have to be – we’re still set on achieving that!You guys are originally from London but made the move to Los Angeles in 2013. What did you think London was missing that LA could give to you and has that been fulfilled for you?

Initially it was literally interest. We had several music industry folks that were interested in us and that was more than we could say for the UK. We came out for a couple of weeks and realized it was the place to push from. In many ways we’ve made huge strides and we also have so much more to accomplish.

John Feldmann has been a name in the past year that has come up with some of my new favorite bands and I see he encouraged you early on. What was it that started the interest with him and have you been able to sit and write with him? If so, how has that meeting changed you guys as a band?

We messaged him on Social Media and he actually responded back to us – to our surprise! From there he got us out to California and secured a demo deal with Warner Brothers for us to record 3 songs. We co-wrote and he produced those 3 tracks. In the end nothing came of it, but it was a great experience.

Another Icon - Sir Elton John - has had an impact on your band. How does it feel top have someone of that standing be a fan of your work and how was it covering one of his songs knowing he would be listening?

Elton John is an icon and he is also a huge fan of new music. For him to play our music on his Beats 1 radio show means a huge amount. It’s so exciting each and every time he does it!! When it came to doing a cover, so many people had to told us to cover his music - it only made sense to take one of his catchiest tunes and strip it down our way. The end product is something we’re all very proud of and we get a lot of Elton’s fans reaching out to us because of it.

For me listening to your music, I hear different bands other then what is listed as your influences. I find more of a Muse, 30 Seconds of Mars and Depeche Mode vibe. When you guys are writing how do you go about it and how much do your influences affect the outcome of a song?

Our process is really one without boundaries. We all subconsciously have certain limits, so we know what to attempt and what not to attempt but we really try and excite ourselves. Those bands you listed are the best in the world and we hope to soon play alongside them. When it comes to writing, the song usually starts from a lyric, guitar riff, melody or idea and we take it from there. We also experiment with different atmospheric noises and pads and that can really inspire us to do something progressive.

I just recently discovered Charming Liars, and your music has really made an impact on my life from the words to music; because I feel like you write from a real raw, honest, and emotional state of mind. How do you feel when someone says that to you and how important do you feel being honest in your lyrics and music is to a potential fan?

It’s a huge honor for you to say that and we really appreciate it. Kiliyan definitely takes that standpoint when it comes to lyrics. He tries to either tell an autobiographical story or he tells the story or emotion of someone very close to him. The mission statement (if I can say that) of the band is to make a difference. Whether it makes someone move or cry or sing along, it needs to make a difference. I think if that’s the case - then the lyrics (and the music) have to be organic and from an honest place.A couple of your songs that stood out for me I wanted to get some insight on:

NAKEDWhat inspired that song?

I think the art of being…. Naked, haha! It’s pretty simple with that one and that’s definitely one of the raunchier ones ☺What is your favorite thing about the song? I’d have to say the epic nature of that chorus vocal. It reminds a bit of 30 Seconds to Mars and also hints at Angels and Airwaves

Would you change anything about it now?One or two things… but I can’t tell you what!

CRUELWhat is that main theme of that song?

I think it’s another one of those self-explanatory ones. We loved playing it live because of that big riff and people seem to always move when that first chorus drops.

Musically - what came first – the lyrics or the music – when you were writing the song?I’m trying to think back. I think it was definitely the music. I had that riff laying around and I decided to record it and then I wanted to add some really dark soundscapes. Putting the two together was the next step and then it was a no- brainer.

LIKE A DRUGHow have you grown with this song as a band from your beginnings to now having this as your new single?

It’s definitely our most progressive single in terms of pushing the boundaries of sound, feel and lyric. I think when people look back, they’ll see a big difference in the band from “DELETE.REPEAT” and everything afterwards. We definitely grew on “12.31” but ultimately, we are exactly where we want to be with this new full-length record. LIKE A DRUG and INSOMNIA both have that dark element to them but they also make you want to sing along and move. There are instruments on LIKE A DRUG that we’ve never used before (such as the horns in the chorus) and that’s definitely a sign of our growth and maturity. It’s also a sign that we’re trying to modernize our foundation as an Alternative rock band. We love having guitar riffs and big guitars but we’re at a point now where we find it even more interesting and exciting to take those guitars and turn them into….. pianos …. Or horns…. Or bass synths. We’re not getting rid of the guitars – we’re just having other instruments come in their place and in doing so we’ve actually spent more time on making sure that the guitar parts that we DO have are impactful and necessary.

What is one thing lyrically and musically you want to tell your fans about the writing of “Like A Drug”?

The message of the song is clear – We’re describing a personal relationship and comparing and relating the toxic love they have for each other to the addiction that a drug might hold over someone.

Will you have a full-length album out in 2018? If yes do you have a release date and a title yet for the album?

We definitely will have the full-length album out this year! It’s happening and we can’t wait for people to hear it. We have several titles floating about but we won’t lock one in until the very last moment. Regarding release date, somewhere in the autumn / fall.

You will be out on the road with Welshly Arms and Grandson in the fall. Any other touring plans you can tell us about?

We’re hoping to get out on the road in July. Nothing we can confirm as of now, but fingers crossed. After that, we’re very excited to hit the road with Welshly Arms and Grandson in September and October. Following that, we will be doing some festivals and shows in Mexico and then we should end the year out with some more shows in the states.

What’s your Favorite thing about touring?

Firstly, playing to new faces and making new fans. That interaction is like no other ☺ Secondly, my personal favorite thing is eating in a different city every day.

How do you stay healthy on the road?

We don’t…… it’s a problem

Your go to stage clothes?

Depends on who you’re asking but I personally have a black outerwear jacket option, a long black or dark grey t-shirt option and then either black skinny jeans or my own personal soft pants that are kind of in between leggings and jeans. Perfect for the stage because it gets really hot up there and movement is key!!

Please tell us two things about each of your band members that people may be surprised to know?

Kiliyan is an avid reader and he comes in with a new book every week. Blows my mind. He also is one of the best vocal coaches in LA. Mike (bass) only eats McDonalds, Mac and Cheese and Ketchup. He’s also a very in demand photographer

Any last comments?

I think we covered it all, Thank You Stephanie!!!! Check out all of our tour dates, music, videos, merch and general news online at our socials. Hope to see everyone out on the road!